WPD: Man beaten, robbed by large group in Cameron Park

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) -- Police are investigating after they say a man was beaten by a large group of people at a park after he befriended another man online and met him there.

According to police, the assault happened just before 10 p.m. Thursday night at Cameron Park, but they say officers responded to the victim's call at 289 Southern Boulevard, where he was found bleeding from the mouth.

Police say the victim told them he met another man on Meetme.com about three weeks ago, and set up a meeting at the park for Thursday. When they met, police say the two walked to a store nearby to buy cigarettes.

It wasn't until when they returned to the park that a group of about 15 to 20 people was crowded in the park.

That's when police say one of the men with the group began hitting the victim on the side of the head sending him to the ground, before the whole group joined in on the attack, hitting and kicking the victim.

Police say the victim told them $85 was stolen from him, along with a driver's license. They say they are unsure if the man the victim met online was in on the attack.

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When one engages in questionable behavior and meets someone they have never met for whatever reason in a place where there is little or no other people, they are exposing themselves to a lets say less than a secure environment. I am not defending the perps or castigating the victim I am just saying that there is a lesson to be learned by all here to stop being naive and realize that there is a strong criminal element in today's society and to take measures to protect yourself from it. We no longer live in a society where we can constantly expect that nothing bad can happen to the contrary something bad usually happens. I hope the victim recovers completely and realizes that this could have turned out one heck of a lot worse and losing $85.00 is cheap education compared to what the cost could have been.
When I lived in a third world country this type of thing was common place and we would travel in groups to avoid this type of criminality I am sad to see that it is now showing up in small town America.

This town has gone mad. Oct 1st can not get here soon enough. No more keeping my gun home when I take my kids to school and no more keeping it in the car when Im out working late at night in bars and restaurants!!!

A gay guy meets another guy at 10pm in a dark park ( for say a nice tickle) and you are worried about taking your kids to school? Chill out. You are going to end up shooting some innocent person with your big gun cause you are obviously PARANOID !

The guy who had the gun in this case posessed the gun illegally - convicted felon (nice long record too) - and he commited ADW when he threated the victim (yes victim, even though the guy is on probation) with the gun.

I am not a fan of open carry, although done correctly, it's probably a deterrent to those that might otherwise take advantage. Legal CCW - with a CWP - is another matter entirely. If someone has their head screwed on straight, generally no one around you knows, and the only time the fact that someone is carrying comes into play is under otherwise life threatening circumstances. No different than having a knife, baseball bat, or other deadly weapon with you. Just not visible. If any of them are used in defense, or offense, for that matter, the results can be the same. Actually, you might come out better if shot, than if an intended victim had to use a baseball bat.

Look at what happened earlier this week in front of Burger King where the guy almost got carjacked by someone with a gun. The truck owner had his weapon, and displayed it. Game over for the carjacker, who ran off. No shots fired, no one injured, and no joy for the carjacker. The guy in the truck probably would have been found to be within his rights if the carjacker developed acute lead poisoning, but the victim saw it wasn't necessary, and moved on.

Have you had your head up your A** the last several months. Do you have any idea how many robberies and assaults with weapons there have been in this area. My point was I was without my weapon many times because I obey the current laws on the books regarding my concealed handgun permit. I always just hated the thought of something happening and not having my weapon with me. I am a retired state law enforcement agent and proficient with a handgun so dont worry about the innocent people they will be just fine. If I saw you in trouble I would probably just say sorry my gun is at the house!!!

It must be a sad state of affairs to live with so much fear. To not be able to leave your house without the fear of someone attacking you. So you have a gun, and you're proficient with it? And you're an ex-law enforcement agent (cop I assume) that is now going to break the law you once enforced. Maybe you should just relax. Maybe join a community group or program that promotes safety and non violence. I think that would be a better lesson for your children than teaching them that guns are the answer to fear. I've been all over the world, 43 states and 25 countries, all by myself, and I've never carried a gun or more than a pocket knife (for work not protection). And I've never had a problem, even in Philly and Detroit!! Being aware of your surroundings and knowing what to look for to stay out of danger is the preferred method to stay safe. "I'm a guy with a gun, so don't mess with me" is just asking for trouble because someone always tests those who assume power thru force!!